Having a baby is a wonderful experience.  You probably knew you would love your beautiful new child, but you probably had no idea how they would steal your heart.  You spend countless hours just looking at your perfect little child.  Like most mothers, you would love to spend every waking moment with your child.  Unfortunately for many women this isn’t possible – you need to work outside the home for financial reasons, or perhaps you have a career you worked very hard for and want to experience both professional and personal satisfaction.

Returning to work after having a child can be an emotional rollercoaster.  Here are a few suggestions to consider if you need to go back to work after your maternity leave.

Ask your employer about working part time or even telecommuting.  Perhaps you can perform most (if not all) of your job duties from your home, having to go to the office only once or twice a week.

Can you work a flexible schedule around that of your spouse’s schedule?  Maybe you can work four days a week at ten hours a day, or begin the day very early so you can be home by 2:00 or so.  You won’t know if this is a possibility if you don’t ask.

Make sure you are comfortable with your child care situation.  Ask your family and friends for referrals for good child care centers.  Don’t let price and location be the determining factors when selecting a child care facility.  This is the place where your child will be spending a good part of her day – you want to make sure it is the best facility possible.

Working mothers actually have two jobs – their nine to five job and then their second (and most important job) – taking care of the family and your home.  This in itself is a full time job.  You may wonder if you’ll ever get a chance to sleep again!  Don’t try to be a “Supermom” or a martyr.  Ask for help, and if someone offers help to you accept it.

Balancing a career and a family is difficult.  If you are willing to pace yourself and accept help when offered you will be a much better mother and partner.